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Which Drugs Interact Negatively with Advil: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Advil?

Advil is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication that contains ibuprofen as its active ingredient. It is commonly used to treat headaches, muscle and joint pain, and menstrual cramps. However, like any medication, Advil can interact with other drugs, which may lead to adverse effects.

What are the Common Interactions with Advil?

Advil can interact with several medications, including:

Blood Thinners

Advil can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. This is because ibuprofen can slow down the blood's ability to clot, making it more susceptible to bleeding.

Antihypertensives

Advil can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. This is because ibuprofen can constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.

Anticoagulants

Advil can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants such as heparin or enoxaparin. This is because ibuprofen can slow down the blood's ability to clot, making it more susceptible to bleeding.

NSAIDs

Advil can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding when taken with other NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), or celecoxib (Celebrex).

Steroids

Advil can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding when taken with steroids such as prednisone.

Diabetes Medications

Advil can increase the risk of kidney damage and reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medications such as metformin (Glucophage).

Blood Pressure Medications

Advil can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Lithium

Advil can increase the risk of lithium toxicity when taken with lithium carbonate (Eskalith) or lithium citrate (Cibalith-S).

Methotrexate

Advil can increase the risk of kidney damage and reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate (Rheumatrex) when taken for rheumatoid arthritis.

Warfarin and Aspirin

Advil can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin.

What are the Consequences of Interactions with Advil?

Interactions with Advil can lead to serious consequences, including:

* Increased risk of bleeding
* Reduced effectiveness of medications
* Increased risk of kidney damage
* Increased risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
* Increased risk of lithium toxicity

How to Avoid Interactions with Advil?

To avoid interactions with Advil, it is essential to:

* Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including prescription and OTC medications
* Follow the recommended dosage of Advil
* Monitor your blood pressure and kidney function regularly
* Avoid taking Advil with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants
* Consult with your doctor before taking Advil if you have a history of kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or bleeding disorders

Conclusion

Advil is a popular OTC medication that can interact with several medications, leading to adverse effects. It is essential to be aware of these interactions and take necessary precautions to avoid them. By informing your doctor of all medications you are taking and following the recommended dosage of Advil, you can minimize the risk of interactions and ensure safe use of this medication.

FAQs

1. Can I take Advil with other pain relievers?
No, it is not recommended to take Advil with other pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin, as this can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
2. Can I take Advil with blood thinners?
No, it is not recommended to take Advil with blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, as this can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Can I take Advil with diabetes medications?
No, it is not recommended to take Advil with diabetes medications, such as metformin (Glucophage), as this can increase the risk of kidney damage.
4. Can I take Advil with lithium?
No, it is not recommended to take Advil with lithium carbonate (Eskalith) or lithium citrate (Cibalith-S) as this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
5. Can I take Advil with methotrexate?
No, it is not recommended to take Advil with methotrexate (Rheumatrex) as this can increase the risk of kidney damage.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ibuprofen (Advil) Patent Expiration.
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - Side Effects and Risks.
3. MedlinePlus. (2022). Ibuprofen.
4. WebMD. (2022). Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - Interactions.
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Ibuprofen and Kidney Disease.

Note: The sources cited are reputable medical sources and are used to provide accurate information on the topic.